SOLOMON Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, William Soaki has underscored the importance of the Solomon Islands-PNG relationship.
He dubbed the relationship as cordial and strong due to shared maritime borders, cultural and language similarity, especially amongst the common border communities.
High Commissioner Soaki was speaking at a reception he hosted in Port Moresby to mark Solomon Islands 46th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday 9 July.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the PNG Prime Minister, James Marape and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Justin Tkatchenko.
Heads of resident foreign diplomatic missions in Port Moresby, senior PNG government officials, private sector representatives, representatives of tertiary institutions and members of the Solomon Islands community in Port Moresby attended the event.
Reflecting on this year’s independence aniversary theme, “Charting our United and Transformative Future Together,” High Commissioner Soaki thanked the Government and the people of PNG for being the first to congratulate Solomon Islands PM Manele following his election as PM.
Emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the two countries, High Commissioner Soaki said, “the ties between the two countries are warm, cordial, strong and continually growing due to shared maritime borders, similar cultures and languages, especially among border communities.”
He also expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership between the two countries in various fields, including education, police, customs, immigration, justice, biosecurity, mines, trade and investment, and sports.
High Commissioner Soaki emphasized the value of the spirit of partnership between Solomon Islands and PNG and said Solomon Islands looks forward to continuing this cooperation bilaterally, regionally and internationally.
He made special mention of PNG’s invaluable support to Solomon Islands towards the country’s hosting of the 17th Pacific Games.
High Commissioner Soaki encouraged Solomon Islands citizens in PNG to enjoy the opportunities PNG offers, respect the laws and people of PNG and be good ambassadors of Solomon Islands cultures and values.
PM Marape, in turn, acknowledged the challenges faced by Solomon Islands over the past 46 years and expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of Solomon Islands for their support during PNG’s challenging moments.
He said PNG’s support to Solomon Islands was not given because PNG has excess resources but rather based on its obligation as the closest neighbor, adding that without the maritime border, the people of PNG and Solomon Islands are one.
The guests enjoyed entertainment from the Moana Dancers, a contemporary dance group comprising members of the Solomon Islands community and the Solomon Islands Medical Students’ panpipe group.
Prior to the reception, High Commissioner Soaki participated in the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) SISSA pre-independence celebrations on Sunday 30 June and the Solomon Islands Independence Fun-Day hosted by the Solomon United Football Club on Sunday 7 July.
(MFAET/SOLSTAR)
